Effect of Hydroxyethyl Starch on Blood Sugar Levels in Surgeries under Subarachnoid Block: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Ringer’s Lactate (RL), a crystalloid is the most common co-loading fluid used to limit haemodynamic complications following the Subarachnoid Block (SAB). Colloids like Hydroxyethyl Starches (HES) are occasionally used as the co-loading fluid despite controversies due to its better haemodynamic effect and are not written-off to date. So knowledge of the effect of co-loading fluid is of paramount importance if it contributes to hyperglycaemia, a detrimental factor for the outcome. Aim: To compare the Blood Sugar Levels (BSL) in different preparations of HES and to that of RL when administered as co-loading fluid following SAB. Materials and Methods: Eighty-nine patients were randomly allocated into three groups, namely HES 200, HES 130, and RL, and were co-loaded with either 20 mL/kg body weight of HES 200/0.5, 20 mL/kg body weight of HES 130/0.4 or 20 mL/kg body weight of RL respectively. BSL for each subject was recorded at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 120, 180, 240 min (post-hoc analysis was done with Tukey’s test). Results: In all the three groups, there was a statistically significant rise in BSL from baseline. The BSL in the RL group reached its peak at 45 minutes and gradually dropped down to baseline. BSL increased more gradually with HES 130/0.4 reaching a peak value at 60 minutes, and at around 240 minutes for HES 200/0.5. Conclusion: HES causes an increase in BSL, though within physiological limits.